Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, planning to retire over the next year

Just as Microsoft embarks on a transformative period into a "Devices & Services" focused company, current CEO SteverBallmer has announced he's planning to retire. Ballmer's intention is to leave at a point where leadership is least needed in the transition, allowing a new CEO to come on for the duration of the switch. This means could leave anywhere in the next twelve months.

Steve Ballmer supplied the following statement on his impending departure:

"There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time. We have embarked on a new strategy with a new organization and we have an amazing Senior Leadership Team. My original thoughts on timing would have had my retirement happen in the middle of our company’s transformation to a devices and services company. We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction."

Bill Gates and a small group of other important Microsoft executives will form a committee to discover who is best fit to replace Steve Ballmer. Like the Phoenix, Ballmer's spirit shall leave his body and take nest in that of another business executive with the qualities expected to lead Microsoft into the future. Bill Gates will use the Micro-Radar to find that individual.

Just kidding, they'll just hire the goon that brown-noses the most and makes them believe they'll make lots and lots of money. One thing's for sure, Steve Ballmer was a pretty cool guy. Can't say much about the business side of things, but he was always awesome on-stage.

Looong overdue. Maybe now Microsoft can stop sitting on its ass with fail after fail and start coming up with innovative new products that drive the market forward like their competing industry leaders.

The industry has really been shaken up recently, hasn't it? So many people coming and going and companies changing hands among other things.

I'm just wondering this myself haha, all those comments must have totally gotten to them. Their internal infrastructure must be on panic mode and I guess now they're starting to fall out and show how much of a toll he gamers feedback has really done to MS. Well, I suppose better on Balmer's terms than MS's.

The industry has really been shaken up recently, hasn't it? So many people coming and going and companies changing hands among other things.

I'm just wondering this myself haha, all those comments must have totally gotten to them. Their internal infrastructure must be on panic mode and I guess now they're starting to fall out and show how much of a toll he gamers feedback has really done to MS. Well, I suppose better on Balmer's terms than MS's.

Mattrick moving to Zyanga, Balmer retiring, Atlus is up for auction, Iwata took over NOA its just crazy how much is changing, and its all leading up to the start of the next-gen of consoles. Its like new years is starting early.

Mattrick moving to Zyanga, Balmer retiring, Atlus is up for auction, Iwata took over NOA its just crazy how much is changing, and its all leading up to the start of the next-gen of consoles. Its like new years is starting early.

I know, right?! Pretty fair summation of everything that went on. I just hope that these new individuals, including the newbie who takes Balmer's place, push Microsoft forward and not backward in technology terms. They've got great ideas going here, it's just a matter of who is going to put the iron fist down and put them to use, in my opinion.